The lights are coming back on at Provincetown’s legendary Crown & Anchor, and the relaunch sounds exactly as sweaty and delightfully queer as fans would hope.
On May 11, Tryst Hospitality announced a phased summer reopening for the iconic LGBTQ+ destination after officially taking over the property months later than expected. Rather than rushing renovations ahead of peak season, the company is reopening venues in stages throughout the summer while construction continues behind the scenes.
For longtime Provincetown visitors, the update marks the return of one of the town’s most recognizable queer gathering spaces. And according to Tryst Hospitality founder Tristan Schukraft, the goal isn’t simply to reopen, it’s to rebuild thoughtfully.
“Look, she’s an old girl,” Schukraft said. “I could either slap some paint on everything and pretend it was finished or take the time to do this right. I chose to do it right. Provincetown, and the people who make the Crown & Anchor magical, deserve that.”
The First Wave Of Openings
The first venues expected to reopen in late May include The Vault, The Paramount, and Wave Bar. While upgrades will continue throughout the season, guests can expect the return of nightlife staples alongside fresh programming and new energy.
The Courtyard will initially operate as an outdoor cocktail space designed for daytime hangs that inevitably spiral into late-night adventures. Tryst Hospitality described the vibe as ideal for “afternoon drinks, late-night mingling, and questionable decisions.”
Honestly? That tracks for Provincetown.
Two new recurring dance parties are also leading the summer rollout.
JUNK, held on select Fridays at Paramount, is billed as an underwear party centered around heavy beats, guest DJs, go-go boys, and packed dance floors. The company teased a rotating lineup of talent pulled from across the broader Tryst nightlife universe, with a dress code that encourages guests to leave a little to the imagination… or not.
Meanwhile, SNACK takes over Saturdays with international DJs, dancers, and what organizers describe as a crowd ready to “dance hard, flirt harder, and keep things playful.”
During major Provincetown theme weeks, the parties may pause to make room for headline events and expanded programming.
P-Town Favorites Are Returning
The reopening also brings back several longtime Crown & Anchor traditions that regulars have come to expect every summer.
Showtunes nights will return on Sundays and Wednesdays with VJ Tom Yaz celebrating 26 years in Provincetown nightlife. Performances from resident drag entertainers including Varla Jean Merman, Dina Martina, and Tina Burner are also scheduled throughout the season.
Live music programming will feature local performers including Jon Richardson, Qya Cristál, The Bart Weisman Trio, and James Jackson Jr.
Full schedules and announcements will continue rolling out throughout the summer. Fans can click here for updates and party announcements.
Pool Parties And Drag Brunch Are Coming Next
As Provincetown enters peak summer season, Tryst Hospitality plans to unveil a refreshed pool deck at The Tryst Beach Club complete with updated furniture, redesigned spaces, and expanded daytime events.
Additional openings later this summer are expected to include:
- The return of the Cabaret Room
- A brand-new restaurant serving late-night food until 2 a.m.
- Weekend drag brunches every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with two shows daily
The forthcoming restaurant is being described as offering fresh dishes designed for long beach days and even longer nights out.
“This summer is a little scrappier, a little sexier, and honestly very Provincetown,” Schukraft said. “The important thing is that the Crown is alive again.”
A Bigger Transformation Is Still Ahead
While bars, entertainment spaces, and pool programming are reopening this season, the hotel portion of the property will remain closed through 2026 as Tryst Hospitality continues planning a larger redevelopment project.
According to the company, this summer is only the beginning of a broader transformation planned for the offseason and beyond.
“This season is about reopening the heart of the property,” Schukraft added. “Next season is when the real transformation begins.”
The Crown & Anchor has long served as a cornerstone of queer nightlife and community in Provincetown, housing bars, performance venues, and gathering spaces that have shaped generations of LGBTQ+ summers on Cape Cod.
Now under the Tryst Hospitality umbrella, the property joins a growing portfolio of queer nightlife and travel destinations connected to Schukraft, who also founded the telehealth platform MISTR and has expanded Tryst-branded hospitality spaces across Fire Island, Puerto Vallarta, San Juan, and beyond.
For updates, schedules, and event announcements, fans can click here or follow @onlyatthecrown on social media.
